STUNG TRENG — HE. Sor Soputra, Governor of Stung Treng Province, has declared a firm stance against online scam operations, stating that he would “rather be hated by criminals than by the people” over the issue of online scam crimes in the province.

Speaking to Baitong Post (BTP) via Telegram on May 26, 2026, Governor Sor Soputra said:

“There is no place in Stung Treng province that allows foreign criminals to hide and conduct online scam activities. I will not tolerate or show leniency toward anyone seeking to use the territory of Stung Treng as a base for criminal activities that destroy society.”

The governor added that he would rather face hatred from criminals or those involved in illegal activities than lose the trust of ordinary citizens because of failures to combat online scams.

He stressed that, as governor of Stung Treng, he carries the responsibility of maintaining public security, protecting social order, and serving the people in accordance with the trust placed in him by the Royal Government and national leaders.

HE. Sor Soputra also stated that although authorities have not yet discovered any online scam operations or hidden foreign groups in the province, he has continued issuing strict orders and encouraging security forces and local authorities to actively monitor, investigate, and search for any suspicious activities to ensure timely prevention and suppression.

The governor further warned that if authorities discover any location connected to online scam operations, the property owners involved would face additional legal penalties in accordance with Cambodian law.

The warning comes as the Cambodian government intensifies its nationwide crackdown on online scam crimes. Recently, Thong Savun, former governor of Ratanakiri province, along with the provincial police chief and the provincial military police commander, were removed from their positions after criticism that they had failed to take serious action against online scam activities in the province.

At the same time, on May 24, 2026, Senate President Hun Sen urged the Royal Government and Prime Minister of Cambodia to take strict measures against officials who fail to crack down on online scam operations or allow such crimes to exist within their jurisdictions.

HE. Hun Sen emphasized that officials who neglect their responsibilities or fail to act against online scam crimes should face dismissal and legal or administrative action in order to protect national dignity and ensure effective law enforcement.